Power transmission mechanism



Ang. 2, 193s.

s. TRIMBArl-l POWER TRANSMISSION` MECHANISH originaL'Fned Dec. 1, 1932 5 sheets-sheet 1 @/m/zefm 2, 1938. s. TRIMBATH v .POWER TRANSMISSION MECHANISM original Filed-Dec. 1, 1932 5 sheets-Sheet 2 5d/aal 777272.60172 A v v Aug. 2, 1938. s. TRIMBATH POWER TRANSMISSION MECHANISM Original Filed Dec. l, 1932 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 ame/ i my s' w l Allg- 2, 1938- l s. TFlMBATH 2,125,526

POWER TRANSMISSION MECHANISM y originalriled Dec. 1, 1932 5 Sheets-sheet 4 Al1g- 2, 1938- s. TRIMBATH 2,125,526

POWER TRANSMISSION MECHANISM original Filed Deo. 1, 1932 5 sheets-sheet 5 Patented Aug. y l2, 1938 PATENT OFFICE POWER TRANSMISSION IMECHANISM Samuel Trmbath, Kalamazoo, Mich., assignor, by mesne assignments, to Willys-Overland Motors, Inc., a corporation of Delaware Application December 1, 1932, Serial No. 645,217. Renewed November 13,I 1937 This invention relates to power transmission mechanism and more particularly to transmission mechanism utilizing clutching means of the interengaging projection type for completing ltransmitting power fnoin a prime mover to the driving connection as for example in drive wheels of an automotive vehicle.'

In a power propelled vehicle of ordinary construction incorporating an internal combustion engine of the variable speed type as a prime mover, it is usual lto interpose an arrangement of speed reduction gearing or a gear train prior to the final drive to the drive Wheels of the vehicle as it hasV been found desirable at starting and at slow speeds to employ such a speed reduction.

by reason of the fact that the power developed by an internal combustion engine increases with the speed of theengine. Thus, to insure an effective driving torque in starting an automotive vehicle of this character and operating same at slow speeds. or underheavy loads, a speed reduction gearing or gear set is usually employed toobtain sufficient power from the prime mover. It has,v

been found that in prior constructions of gear;

25. setsinwhich various ratios of speed may be obtained' between the prime mover and the final drive by the shiftable interenmeshment, engagement or disengagement of interlocking elements r40 ious reasons given for this apparent mechanical imperfection-is attributed to a required clearance xto effect a relative shifting or ysliding of one or both of the toothed or recessedelements to engaged or disengaged position. This clearance is 45 suflicient in some cases when the parts are engaged under driving "stress'or torque to result in .an'oscillating action of. one element with respect to the other in a planesubstantially at right angles to the axes of the intereng'aging elements, SOjWhich oscillating action under the influence of the friction of the interengaging teeth and the walls of corresponding recesses tends to -cause a l disengagement of the elements;L Another reason tending to cause disengagement of the clutching 5 5 elements under load is attributed to a lack of ing elements which may be caused by irregulari- 15' ties in manufacturing even if the shiftable ele, ment is properly 4aligned with itssupporting shaft. 'I'he inter-enmeshable elements would underthis situation tendto creep linearly as the axes of the shafts supporting these elements, 20

if out ofalignment, would rotate with a slight angularity one .with respect'to the other, the same being true with respect to the inter-enmeshable elements carried thereby/ which under the friction stressv existing between the interlocking portions of such elements would result in a tendency of separating these elements under.

l stress or load, as they are bound to move in a dlrection of least resistance in event there is a longitudinal stress set up as hereinbefore explained. This condition produces at or substantially at the pitch line or normal engaging point of the inter-engaging clutching projections a theoretical spiral wind of the fpoints on the line of engagement of the teeth of these elements.

in certain types through the use of synchronizing 45 cones or other means for bringing the d ying and driven elements substantially to .the sai/ff e speed. before the interenmeshment of drive connection. 'I'he diiiiculties heretofore'explainedare present in a constant meshv gear transmission. and are more aggravated as the driven gears are generally of helical type so that thereis a lateral thrust imparted to the driven gear and as the latter is usually slidably supported upon a shaft orf-other support, that because of such lateral thrust, the

drivenhelical gear tends to tilt thus causing a slight misalignment of the gear and the shiftable means for establishing a drive connection therewith, such arrangement accentuating the tendency of the shiftable element to linearly or axially creep out of driving engagement.

As one `of Vthe objects, this invention embraces an arrangement of power transmission mechanism wherein the tendency of relatively shiftable interengaging elements to become disengaged is substantially eliminated. A

The invention contemplates the provision oi simple and effective means for establishing a drive between driving and driven elements wherein satisfactory transmission oi.' power maybe obtained and wherein-the tendency of the shiftable element to become disengaged is substantially eliminated without the use of additional means.

A further object of the invention is the provision of improved clutching means for use ina power transmission arrangement wherein a satisfactory drive for the'transmission of power is obtained and the weight of certain of the elements reduced. j y

lStill a further object of the invention is the pro-1 vision of a gear train incorporating nshiftable elements for obtaining various speed ratios between the driving and driven elements which is inex-l pensive to manufacture.

'I'he invention also embraces a method of producing certain of the elements forming a part of the present invention.

Further objects and advantages are within the scope of this invention such as relate to the arrangement, operation and function of the related elements of the structure, to various details of construction and to combinations of parts, elements per se, and to economies of manufacture f 'and numerous other features as will be apparent sol from a consideration of the specification and drawings of a form of the invention, which maybe preferred, in which:

Figure' 1 is a vertical sectional view through a variable speed gear train or transmission mecha= nism incorporating one arrangement of my invention;l

Figure 2 is an enlarged view showing certain elements in interengaged or driving relationship of the arrangement illustrated in Figure 1 showing one form of the invention;

Figure 3 is a vertical sectional view taken sub- .stantially on the 'line 3 3 of Figure 2 showing one arrangement of interlocking projections o! the clutching elements;

Figure`4 is an enlarged view of a portion of one of the toothed elements of the arrangement shown in Figure 3 illustrating the reduction in size of certain teeth or driving projections thereof;

Figure 5 is a view similar to Figure 3 showing another arrangement of the driving or clutching projections 'of certain oi.' the elements of transmission mechanism;

Figure 6 is an enlarged view showing one of the toothed or driving projections of one of the elements illustrated in Figure 5 showing the method of reducing the size projections; l Figure -7 is a view similarv to Figure 3 showing oi'certain teeth or driving another modiiied arrangement of clutching elements; y

Figure 8 is an enlarged fragmentary view showing a portion of one of the elements of Figure 8 villustrating in detail the coniiguration of certain of the clutching teeth of the arrangement shown in Figure '1;

'stantially on a line II-II of Figure 9;

' A. Figure 12 is a view showing one of the clutching elements of the arrangement shown in Figure'9;

Figure 13 is arvertical transverse sectional view showing the driving and driven elements of the form of the invention shown in Figure 9 in interengaged or driving relationship;

Figure 14 is a view similar to Figure 13 showing a modied arrangement wherein certain oi' the clutch projections are removed from the driven member; f A

Figure 15 is an enlarged fragmentary detailed view showing the clutching arrangement illustrated in Figure 14; i

Figure 16 is a view similar to Figure 3 with certain recesses of the driven member enlarged in a modified form of clutching arrangement;

Figure 1'? is a fragmentary detail view showing a portion of one of the elements illustrated in Figure 16 showing the enlarged recesses;

Figure 18 is a view similar in part to Figure 1 showing another arrangement 4of power transmission mechanismor gear train incorporating the arrangement of my invention;

Figure 19 is an enlarged detailed sectional view taken substantially on the line I9-I 9 of Figure 18 showing inter-enmeshment of certain driving and driven elements incorporating my invention;

Figure 20 is a view 'similar to Figure 19 illus-r witha gear set or system of gearing for transmitting power from an internalcombustion engine of the variable speed type to the drive wheels of an automotive vehicle in which for satisfactory operation it is desirable to employ means to `have a diil'erent ratio of speed between the engine and the drive wheels under certain conditionsfbut it is to be understood that the arrangement of my invention may be used in any power transmission system 'where two or more driving or driven elements are incorporated having operative drive or clutch connection therebetween, and that I contemplate the arrangement and utilization of my invention in any power transmission system or in any place where it is desired to secure satisfactory drive connection between mechanical elements.

Referring to the drawings in detail and particularly Figures 1 to 4, inclusive, I have illustrated a power transmission mechanism, gear train or gear set of a type particularly usable in obtaining variable speed ratios between an internal combustion engine and drive shaft or drive wheels of an automotive vehicle wherein numeral I0 illustrates a housing enclosing they wheel I2 and a revoluble clutch housing I3 enclosing friction clutch mechanism only a portion of the driven disc being illustrated as at I5. L6 illustrates a portion of the engine casing, II the extremity of the" engine crank shaft or other portion of a power unit or prime mover. I9 illustrates one of the usual operating control'pedals of the vehicle, 20 an upright casing secured to the casing I0 in which is pivoted by means of a ball joint 22 a shifting lever 'z3 having manipulating handle portion u, the lower v end of the rod 23 being connected by means of yokes 28 to longitudinally movable. or

slidable rods, only one of which is shown in-Fig-f' ur'e -1 as at ,28 which performs Athe'i'unction of meshing and'demeshing certain gersin a manner to be hereinafter explained.

Positioned immediately 'at the rear ofthe' ces- 16 ing Il is a lhousing 38 having end walls 3l and 32.

is a shaft 38 provided at its forward end with aI 15 tenon 39 journalled within a. bore in the end of .the engine` crank shaft I1, the other end being journalled in an antifriction bearing 40 mounted in an opening in the wall 3l `in the casing 30. Poe sitioned within an opening 'in the rear wall 32 of housing 38 Ais 'an anti-friction bearing 42 in which is journalled a shaft 43, the .latter' having at its forward end a tenoriA 44 journalled within an internalV axial bore in the end of shaft 38. The shaft 43 is provided with aA splined portion 48 which extends rearwardlyvof the housing 30 and upon which is iixedly mounted a bracket 41 and held in place by means of a nut 48 threaded upon l an extensionkof ythe shaft 43.V The bracket 41 is compared witlr rptation of shaft 38.` When it is desired to effect a higher speed of shaft 52 with respect to shaft 38,lthe lever 23 is moved to a different position moving shaftc 28 and gear 84 to the 'position illustrated in Figure I demeshing gears A 84 and-58 further movement of the lever 23jactuating the shaft carrying yoke 88 to move gear 83.V into mesh with gear 51. As gear 51 is larger in diameter than gear 58 'and gear 83 smaller in diameter thanl gear 84, a correspondingly higher speed as oompared with shaft 38 is impartedto drive shaft52. In order to secure a direct drive, i. e.,- shaft 38 `connected directly with shaft 52 so that `both shafts are rotating at the sameA speed, lever 23 is moved in the opposite direction bringing gear 83 out of enmeshment with gear 51,and the interment with the teeth sa er nie shaft :s thus establishing a direct drive between shafts 38, 43

and 52. The geafr portions 88 and 89 are commonlyknown in ythe art as clutching gears.

As has been previously explained, gear 83 is slidable upon shaft 43 and therefore there exists between the internal bore of this gear and the periphery of `shaft43 sufficient clearance to permit the sliding of the gear. When, however, the

connected to a member 50 which forms the ex-f clutching gears 88 and 89 are in driving connecconnected by means (not shown) to propel the vehicle through its connection to the drive wheels. Positioned out of alignment with shaft 43 but lparallel therewith is an auxiliary' shaft 54 upon which is journalled a member formed with four gear or toothed portions 58,' 51, 58 and 59, the

50'. f been previously stated, parallel with shaft 28 is a I gear 58 being in constant mesh withfagear or toothed portion 88 formed upon a portion of shaft 38 projecting within the transmission casing. Shaft 43 is provided with a 'splied portion 82 e. upon which is slidably mounted 'gears 83 and 84,

these gears having means or feathers projecting4 into the splines so that rotary movement of leither vof the-gears transmits rotation to shaft 43. Gear 84 which isthe low speed gear is connected by means of a yoke 85 to the longitudinally movable shaft 28 providing the means for sliding gear 84 for purpose to be hereinafter, explained. As has second shaft similar thereto having a yoke 88 similar to 88 which engages a circumferential groove shifting gear 83.

in gear: 83 in the same manner as the yoke 85y en-- gages a circumferential groove inA gear 84 Lfor ,'I'h'e end of shaft 38 is also provided with also provided with an internal toothed portion or gear 83 for establishing driving connection as hereinafter explained. f a

The,0peration of 'the mechanism above described is Vas follows: Shaft 38 is driven bythe internal c'or'nbustionl engineer rime mover` (not. shown). through the friction cl tchmechanism I5 causing rotation'of gear portions 88 and '88.,

Gear 88 being constantly in mesh with gear 88 causes constant rotation-of member 55 whenever' the shaft 38 is rotated. `In order to bring the slow a second toothed section or gear 88, and gear 83is tion and are under load in torque transmittingl relation theclearance between gear 83 and its supporting shaft in certain instances permits the gear 83 to tilt slightly, and it has been found that periodieacceleration and deceleration of the engine effects the tilting tendency of this gear and as the latter is under the stress of transmitting torque or force to the drive wheels it tends to follow the. course of least resistance which is toward an out-of-mesh position. The tilting of the gear 83 with' respect to its supporting shaft produces an out-of-parallel condition of the pitched lines of the toothed gea; portions 88 and 88 and under load transmitting conditions results in a so-called in the several gear meshing positions, with recesses 12 and 14 in shaft 28 and tends to hold the f shaft 28 in itsshifted position.` The other sliding shaft (not shown) arranged parallel with r shaft 28 isalso provldedwith recesses correspondwhereby shaft 52 is rotated at a reduced speed as ing to recesses 12 and 14 and cooperate with a similar ball vdetent (not shown) tending "to hold this shaft vin its various positions. of retaining the sliding shafts in various positions however, has several disadvantages, in that if the spring pressure against the ball detent which is to maintain shaft 28.; in1 its various positions to prevent demeshmentmf the clutching gears as above explained,fit becomes practically impossible to move lever 23 to effect a re-adjusting or shifting of shaft 23 to another of lts-positions.4 .If the spring pressure on the ball detent is weakmounted in the bore 1I is of sufficient pressure ing these dimctlties.

the clutching gears results in the shiftable clutch.

ing gear 68 "creeping cntof meshment with its corresponding driving clutching element 68.

Referring particularly to Figures 2 through 4,

inclusive, the same illustrate a means of my invention for alleviating orsubstantially overcom- In this form of the invention certain teeth of the clutching gear'EiB are of the standard size and pitch, these teeth being designated as 68 particularly iiiustratedin Figure 3, there being in the embodiment illustrated six teeth'of the standard conteur in which each tooth snugly and properly engages the walls of the corresponding properly formed teeth of the internally toothed portion 69 of the driven clutching gear. 'I'he balance of the number of teeth upon the periphery of the driving clutching gear or member 68 are relieved on one side, i. e., re-

duced in size, these relieved or reduced teeth being designated 68", the relieved 'tooth being particularly indicated in fuli lines in Figure 4 by numeral 15 as ccrnparedwith the standard formed tooth illustrated in this figure in dotted lines. The relieving of certain teeth in the driving clutching gear .68 in the 'embodiment shown is on the non-drive side or coasting side as indi-'- cated by the drive rotation direction arrows `in Figure 3. It is well known that in any system of gearing there is present slight clearance between the teeth which is commonly termed as back-lash, and therefore it follows that in this embodiment there is slight back-lash existing between the drive surfacesof teeth 68' and` 68', thus there isv always substantial peripheral tooth contact between the drive surfaces of both sets of teeth 68' and 68" and Athedriven side or face of each internalprojection or tooth 68 of the clutching gear which are in close contact when driving torque is being transmitted through the member 68 to member 69. In event'the engine is decelerated, there is a slight play between the two clutching members due to the back-lash or tooth clearance above mentioned, but .by reason of the relieving of the major number of teeth 68 of the driving clutching member 68 actual contact between members 68 and 68 takes place only through the teeth 68', which are of the standard or proper configuration and the drive side of teeth 68", there being a freedom or clearance of the balance of the projeetions 68" on the non-drive side with the internal teeth 68 of member 63 `so that any diametrical tendency to tilt member .63 Y

with respect to member 68 has been substantially eliminated. When the motor is again acceierated, the clearance between member 63 and shaft 4I will be taken up by reason of the driving torque being transmitted only through teeth or projections 68' and the drive side ofteeth 68" in mesh with corresponding teeth 68 in the member 68 and a tilting, if any of the gear taking place upon such acceleration will not produce a spiral wind tending to demesh the clutching gears;

and all tendency for the clutching members to in thisform a major number of the recesses in' l'the female clutch gear I69 are enlarged or relieved on one vside preferablythe non-drive side become demeshed by reason of4 driving or torque transmitting stresses will be substantially'eliminated. y

Another form of the invention is iilustrated in Figures 5 and 6 wherein teeth 68 of the driving clutching member are of the standard contour while the balance of the teeth 68" of this member have been relieved in much thesame manner as heretofore described in lconnection with the y form illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, but the re'- lieving of certain teeth 68" is applied tcthe driving sides or walls ofithe major portion of substantially the same results as the relieving of the major portion of the teeth onthe non-driving side as the vspiral wind tending to' demesh the clutching gears is substantially eliminated.

Figures 7 and 8 illustrate a further ferm of the invention wherein the teeth 6E' are of the standard shape and configuration while the major portion of the teeth er the balance of teeth 68" on the clutching member 68 have been relieved or reduced in sizeon both the drive andthe nondrive sides as particularly shown in detail in Figure 8. In this manner the entire driving cc-ntact of the interengaging clutch surfaces in either direction is through the minor number of teeth 68' on the member 68, the major number of teeth 68 which are of reduced size serving no driving function whatever but are preferably present upon the periphery of member 68 sorv that at high speeds the clutching gear will be substantally in balance.

It is to be noted that in the above described.'

forrns of the invention the relief given to certain teeth may be very little as for .example only a few thousandths of an inch for sufileient clearance which should' preferably exceed the amount of back-lash clearance existing between the theoretically perfectly meshed teeth forming the I actual driving surfaces between the clutching gears. l

In the arrangement shown in Figures 9 through 13, inclusive, the member 68 is provided with teeth throughout only afminor portion ofits periphery which teeth are indicated at 68' and are of the standard configuration so'that the entire driving torque takes placevbetweenteeth 68' and internal teeth 69 of gear 63. 'I'he operation of this form of the invention and' the results obtained are substantially the same shown in theembediments of Figures 2 to 8 voi? the draw? ings so far as the elimination of creeping or tendency of disengagement of the `'gears or members is concerned. The member 68, howeveri has been reduced in Weight-by reason of the elimination of the major portion ofthe teeth from the periphery thereof which also g'effects a reduction in the cost of producing the construction.

lFigures- 14 and' i5 illustrate a further form oi' continuity of the spiral wind under the frictional stresses tending to .separate the gears is substantially eliminated as the effective torque driving surfaces einst only on a minor portion of the periphery ofthe clutching gears.-

The'forrnof the invention illustrated in Figures 16 and 17 is similar to the form ef the invention shown in Figures 3 and 4 except that of the interengaging clutching. projections, while the recesses shown in 68" are of the standard formation to properly flt the contour Aof the standard formed teeth 68 ,of the male clutching gear. stressestending to demesh the elements are obviated as has been pr-eviously expiained'in connection with other forms of the invention.

The arrangement of my invention has parforma-- is In this form of the invention the axial .ticuiar utility in -transmissions of the so-called constant mesh type wherein certain speed ratio gears of the gear set are in constant'mesh, a drive being attained by shifting a toothed clutch member into engagement with toothed members cooperating with the gears to obtain various speeds of nal drive. i f

Figure 18 illustrates one form of this type of 'I transmission comprising a housing I I0 in the forward end of which is journalled a shaft hav ing formed thereon a gear portion I |3.l The shaft I corresponds to shaft 30 illustrated in Figure 1 and isI adapted to be driven from the crankshaft of an internal combustion engine.' Meshing with gear I|3 is a gear ||4 formed upon a sleeve-like member journalled upon an auxiliary or,

counter shaft I I6, the member ||5 being formed with other gear portions I|8', I|0and |20. Y

Positioned in axial alignment with shaft AI is a splined shaft |22 one end journalled in bear- Aings at the rear of the housing IIO, its forward end being journalled within a' bore contained within the extremity of shaft |I|. Slidably mounted upon splined portion of shaft |22 is a slow 'speed gear |24 which cooperates with a shifting yoke |25 adapted to be shifted by mechanism similar to that shown in the transmissionmechanism of Figure 1 hereinbefore described. The gearl |24 has feather portions extending into the splines of shaft |22 so that when the 'gear |24 is moved into 'enmeshed position with gear |,|9, a low [speed is imparted to shaft |22 ascompared with the speed of shaft ||I.

. Journalledfor rotation upon shaft |212 is a gear |26 which is constantly in mesh with .gear

Hformed upon the member liti.` It is to be noted'thatgears II3, ||4,'||0 and |26 are preferably of helical tooth formation as this type .of

gearing is more silent in operation than the usual type of spur gearing. i

The shaft III is provided at its forward end with a tooth clutching gear portion |30 and the gear |26 is formed with a similar toothed portion forming a clutching gear '|3I. Positioned between the non-slidable clutching gears |30 and |3| is a member |32 splined upon shaft |22 and adapted to rotate therewith being non-slidably mounted thereon. The exterior periphery-of the member |32 is preferably formed with spur teeth |33 which enmesh with correspondingly shaped spur teeth formed in a longitudinallyshiftable clutching gear |35, the latter having on its exterior periphery a circumferential groove into which extends a shifting yoke |31 mounted upon' desired to eenneet the shaft- |22 through theA gear train to secure a so-called intermediate or second speed it is only necessary tomove the shifting rod |38-to the right, yoke |31 carrying the shiftable member |35 into toothed or clutching engagement with the clutching gearJI3I, a

portion of the teeth of member |35 being still in engagement with teeth |33, thus effecting a drive through gear |26, teeth |3I, clutching member |35, teeth |33 to a nal drive of shaft |22.

When it is desired to obtain a direct drive, that times I is a direct drive connection between drive shafts I|I and |22, it is only necessary to shift rod |30 to the left bringing the teeth of member |35 in to engagement with lthe teeth |30 formed on the end vof shaft |||,thus a direct drive is established through shaft |teeth |30, memberv |35, teeth |33 to shaft'|22. Y

Due tothe clearance'` required for adequate slidingmovement of member I 35 and the clearance necessary for rotationvof gear |26, I have embodied one form' of the arrangement of my invention as illustrated particularly Iin Figure 19, wherein teeth` |30' are of standard con-figuration While the major. number. of -teeth ,l30'.' are of' reduced size on the non-drive side to eliminate the so-called spiral Wind, or -the tendency of the shiftable member |35 to creep longitudinally out of engagement-withthe clutching gear or -toothedmember |30. 'It is to be understood that teeth of clutching gear |3| connectedto theV lconstantly driven second speed gear are shaped "correspondingly to vthe teeth Y |30 so that no creeping tendency will be set up tending to move '|35 out' of engagement with the clutching gear |3| ashereinbefore described'in connection with clutching gear |30. l

Another, form of the invention as applied vto this type of transmission' is illustrated in Figure 20 wherein teeth |30' are of standard conguration, thel remaining teeth inmemberv |32 being 'of reduced configuration'on the drive side which accomplishes substantially the same result of preventing tendency of the clutching gears to become separated in driving.' connection as the so-called spiral windis eliminated.

.The arrangement of'my invention hasv particular `utility in this form` of constantmesh transmission,- as has been previously: stated, the required clearance 'topermit rotation of gear |25 and the sliding movement of shiftable clutch'` member per-mits'these members in some instances to tilt inrespect to their supporting e1e.

This tilting y ments and in respectV to each-other. would normally produce the v"spiral windfor creeping-action should the teeth be of standard configuration throughout their peripheries. With the incorporation 'of the arrangement of my invention providing the drive surfaces throughout only a-portion of the circumferential contacting areas of saidi'clutching gears, the tendency for' these members to become disengaged under torque transmission is practically eliminated. 'I'hus it is possible to employ only a weak .spring |40 to hold a ball detent (not shown) into engagement with recesses' |4| inthe shiftable 'rod |38 ffo'r. retaining the shiftable clutch'member |35 in its various positions. The use of a weakspring |40 makes possible a change of speed ratio with very l little effort being applied to engage and disent'- 4 f so 1. In a `device'of the character disclosed, 'in

gage the clutching gears.

'What I claim is:

combination, power transmission mechanism in'- cluding aligned slidabie interengageableVv elements; said elements being movable into and out of engagement, said elements being provided with a series of interlocking projections; certain'of" said projections being of a thickness whereby 4 driving engagement is effected throughoutonly a portion of the peripheries of said elements.

2. In a device of the character disclosed, in

combinatiompower transmission mechanism in A cluding slidable interengageable elements; means for moving said elements into and out of engagement, said elements having a plurality of interlocking teeth, certain of said teeth being formed whereby power transmitting engagement is established'throughout only a circumferential portion of said elements on one side of a, plane passing through the axis of said elements.

3. In a device of the characterdisclosed, in combination, power transmission mechanism including slidably enrneshable toothed elements; means for moving one of said elements into and out of engagement with another of said elements, certain of the teeth ofon`of said elements [being of reduced thickness whereby power is transmitted through only the teeth of normal size.

4. In a device of the character disclosed, in combination, power transmission mechanism including enmeshable gears; means for moving one of said gears into and out of 4engagement with another of said gears, certain of the teeth oi' one of said gears being of reduced thickness whereby power is transmitted through only the teeth of normal size.

5. In a device of the character disclosed, the combination of powerl transmission mechanism including substantially axially aligned interengageable clutching gears; means for moving one being movable into and out 'oi engagement; one f of said gears being provided. with a plurality of uniformly shaped recesses, the other oi.' said gears being provided throughout a portion of its periphery with toothed projections adapted to iit the walls of certain ofv said recesses and throughout the remainder of its peripherywith 1 toothed projections adapted to engage only one wall of each of the remainingreeesses in said first mentioned clutching gear. l y

n7. Ina device ot the character disclosed, the combination of power transmission mechanism including substantially axially aligned interengageable clutching gears: said clutching gears being movable into and out of engagement; one of said \gearsbeing provided with a plurality of spaced and yuniformly shaped recesses, the other oi said gears being provided throughout a portion of its periphery with toothed projections adapted to nt the walls of certain of said recesses and throughout the remainder oi' itsA periphery with toothedprojections out -of engagement with the walls. of the remaining recesses in said rst mentioned clutching gear. 'l'.

8. In a device `of the character described power transmitting mechanism including a pair oirotatable clutching elements arranged for relative slidablenterengagement and disengagement;V each ofsaid elements having Aa yplurality of inof said projections formed with reduced periph' eral thickness whereby a clutching drivingengagement is eiectefd through the engagement` of projections of unreduced peripheral thickness.`

10.` In' a device ofthe character described, powe; transmitting mechanism including a pair of rotatable clutching elements arranged for relative slidable interengagement and disengagement; each of said elements having a plurality of interengageable projections arranged for effective'transmission oi power stresses in both directions oi rotation, the shape of said projections having areas so thatA contacting engagement'is effected throughout only a portion o! the peripheries of saidclutching elements on one side of a plane passing through the axis oi rotation of said clutching elements.` l

11. In a device of the character described. in combination, a pair of rotatable clutching elements aligned for relative slidable interengagement and disengagement; each of said elements having a plurality of interengageable spaced projections arranged lfor eiective transmission of power stresses in both directions of rotation, the shape of certain di the spaced projections of one element having areas which fit the spaces between the projections of lthe other element so that full contacting engagement is effected throughout only a'portion of the peripheries of said clutching elements on one side of a plane passing through the axis of rotation of said clutching elements. f

- 12. In a device' oi' the character, disclosed in combination, a plurality of aligned slidable interengageable elements; means associated with said elements for moving the same into and out of engagement, said elements being provided with a series of interlocking spaced projections for eifective transmission of power in both directions of rotation, the projections of one of said elements being of a thickness with respect to the spaces between the projections o! the other element so that full contact of said projections for 'driving rotative stresses in `either direction is effected throughout only a portion of the peripheries of said elements.

' 13. In' a device of the character disclosed in combination, power transmission mechanism including aligned slidable interengageable gears; means associated with said gears for moving the same into and out of engagement, said gears being provided with a series of interlockingy teeth for effective transmission of power in both directions of rotation, the teeth of one of said gears being of a thickness with respect to the teeth of .the othergears so that full contact therebetween for driving rotative stresses in eitherl direction. is effected throughout only a portion of the peripheries of said gears wherebytendency for the .interengageable gears to become disengag/edby reason of.Y torque transmitting stresses will; be substantially eliminated. Y

'.14. In a lpower transmitting mechanism, in combination, a pair of aligned and slidable clutching elements Yarranged for interengagement and disengagement, each of said elements transmitting stresses will be substantially eliminated.

15. In a power transmitting mechanism, in combination, a. pair of aligned and slidable clutching elements arranged for interengagement and disengagement, each oi.' said elements having a plurality of spaced projections arranged for eective transmission of power stresses in both directions of rotation, the shape and arrangement of the projections of one of said elel ments presenting areas of contacting engagement establishing driving stresses throughout only a portion of the peripheries of said elements whereby tendency for the interengaging members to become disengaged by reason of torque transmitting stresses will be substantially eliminated.

SAMUEL TRIMBATH. 

